The Trailblazer: David Choi
This is part of our cover series on Asian American YouTube stars. Check out our recent profiles on Wong Fu Productions, Dumbfoundead and Megan Lee.
Recording artist, producer
Don’t let his trademark lack of grin fool you. The great granddaddy of the Asian YouTube craze, David Choi, 24, actually has the brand of awkward humor that made Michael Cera so huge—plus a killer croon that had tweens crushing from the get-go. His “YouTube A Love Song” was featured on the YouTube homepage, went viral and presented him with legions of cyber fans and a new breed of celebrity. Even before hitting it big in front of the camera, Choi was already living his dream behind the scenes as a producer and songwriter for Warner/ Chappell Music, one of the world’s largest music-publishing companies. “I just wanted to put it up for fun,” he said, referring to the video he posted in 2006. “It was just for myself! I don’t think anyone expects to get tons of views… I was shy and nervous, but that’s why I’m doing this now. It definitely opened my eyes to the bigger picture, the whole recording process and the creative process.” Choi released his second solo album, By My Side, in May.
Story by Julie Ma
Photo courtesy of David Choi
Check out David’s music video after the jump.
David Choi’s “That Girl” official music video, produced by Wong Fu
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For all of our readers in Los Angeles, we have quite the treat for you! If you haven’t made any plans for this weekend, set your calendars for the YPG Gala this Saturday.
Winners of this giveaway will be able to spend their Saturday night listening to musical performances by Clara Chung, David Choi, and Ken Oak while enjoying drinks at an open bar, catered food, and a photo booth. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll be able to buy out a couple competitors at the silent auction!
The Young Professionals Group, founded by Orton Chen and So-Young Kang, was created with the hope that young students could be recognized and awarded for their scholarship and excellent character. At the 3rd Annual YPG Gala, eight high school students will be receiving scholarship awards to help them achieve their future goals. Here are the stories of two of the receipients, Alice Wang and Nhi Vo:
Alice Wang is a Chinese American high school student, who was able to turn a volunteering scam into a bright opportunity. When Alice had found out that that the volunteer project she signed up for was fake, she didn’t decide to fly back home; she chose to carry out her original plans of helping HIV/AIDS victims in Kenya. After finding her own board and transportation to the clinic, Alice felt as though her efforts were not making a difference and that’s when she found Danny. It was once she found Danny, who had volunteered in Kenya for the past 6 months, that she was able to travel with numerous other volunteers to various slums to test natives for HIV and AIDS.
Nhi Vo, a future UC Davis student, has lived her life without her mother since the age of eight. After experiencing burn injuries, Nhi has made the decision to dedicate her life to becoming a pediatrician, so that she can help burn victims look past their scars and lead successful lives. With this scholarship, she hopes that she can complete her education and even reestablish her relationships with family members in Vietnam. Although she may still be young, she has developed a strong character that is determined to uncover all aspects of her identity and use them to further her career as a pediatrician.
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Featured Event
One of the the biggest Asian cinema events to hit Southern California opens on May 10. The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, presented by Visual Communications, features the latest works by established and emerging filmmakers, along with seminars, panel discussions and symposiums on topics relevant to Asian Pacific cinema.
Opening Night features “Shanghai Calling,” directed by Daniel Hsia and starring Korean American Daniel Henney, who plays a Chinese American expat lawyer navigating his way through the mean streets of Shanghai (the picture above also indicates he is a raisin smuggler). But does he take off his shirt? Go watch the movie to find out! read more
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